Born Stephen Matthew Carty, he was lovingly known as Matt by family and friends since he was a child. He spent his younger years living on Gulbar Road with his parents, six brothers and five sisters. He had a strong work ethic and found himself a job at an early age on a cargo ship. Over the course of two years, Matt developed his sea legs by travelling extensively around Europe by boat.

After his stint on the cargo ship, Matt found himself back on solid ground. He secured a career in the railway station in 1967, where he remained for 28 years. Matt worked long hours on the platform where he would help to load and unload deliveries from the trains. He worked above and beyond what was expected of him and made efforts to make the station a more pleasant place to be. His dedication didn't go unnoticed and he won several awards for keeping the station in bloom.

July 30 1977 was one of the most important days of Matt's life. It marked the day when he married his beloved Sheila. As next-door neighbours, the pair had grown up alongside one another before deciding to marry and start a family. They went on to have two children, Julieann and Tina.

When he retired aged 50, Matt had more time to devote to his hobbies. His primary interest was making matchstick models - a skill he had acquired through his father who built a church and windmill while on the Kerlogue. Matt's creativity led him to make models of several of his favourite local haunts including Johnstown Castle. He also made coats of arms for his family and several friends. Matt passed on his talent to his daughters, who will continue to make models in his memory.

Family meant the world to Matt. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and the pair went on many visits to England. He also made sure to keep in touch with his brothers and would meet them regularly for a catch up, while his daughters were the love of his life. Later on, Matt had five grandchildren and one great-grandchild and all of them visited regularly. Matt loved spending time with them and the feeling was mutual. One of their main traditions was watching Man United and Liverpool matches together. Matt became a firm Liverpool fan in support of one of his grandchildren, who was up against a family of Man United supporters. When his great grandchild came along, the three of them would fly the flag for their favourite team. Closer to home, Matt also liked to support his grandchildren in their matches with St Mary's of Maudlintown.

Matt had many friends and loved to meet them in the Pike or the Sailing Cot for a catch-up.

In his later years, Matt was diagnosed with liver cancer. He bore his illness with great dignity and courage and remained positive until the end.

Sheila, Julieann and Tina wish to thank Dr Brian McRedmond, Pharmacist Brian Hogan and his staff, the chemo nurses and palliative care nurses at St Vincent's Hospital, the district nurse, Rev James Cullen and Kearney's Funeral Home for their help and support. They would also like to express their gratitude to all who sent mass cards from Ireland and abroad.

Matt will be remembered by all who knew him for his kind and generous nature. He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Sheila; daughters Julieann and Tina, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, great-grandchild, extended family, neighbours and friends.